Army Sergeant First Class Jeffrey Baker

Army Sergeant First Class Jeffrey C. Baker, 29, of Hesperia, California, was an explosive ordnance disposal technician assigned to the 766th Ordnance Company, 63rd Ordnance Battalion, 52nd Ordnance Group, at Fort Stewart, Georgia. SFC Baker was killed on May 14, 2013, in Sanjaray, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, while responding to an IED attack. He was leading the first EOD team sent to assist wounded soldiers when another concealed explosive detonated.

SFC Baker joined the Army in October 2004 and developed his expertise in explosive ordnance disposal, one of the military's most dangerous specialties. His work involved identifying and neutralizing explosive threats to protect fellow service members and civilians. He was posthumously awarded Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.

Baker was remembered as a generous, humorous, and compassionate man who traveled widely, formed friendships wherever he went, and enjoyed mentoring others. His obituary emphasized that he had not only died a hero but had lived as one, always willing to help someone in need.

SFC Baker was survived by his wife and daughter.